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Top Tech Toys for the Festive Season 2018

The Festive Season is officially upon us and this year tech toys are taking centre stage. Robotic toys continue to be a significant trend with an array of new, exciting products for gadget geeks of every age.

From Fingerlings Velociraptors that interact not only with their owner but with each other, to Robo Chameleons that mimic real life chameleons complete with rotating eyes and extending tongue- this year’s collection covers a whole gamut of cool tech inventions.

Some are perfect stocking fillers while others present themselves as the greatest gift ever for the tech-freak. Whichever it is, all of them will find their place around the Christmas tree.

Chiquita Patrizi, spokesperson for Prima Toys says, “Technology continues to change and this flows over into the realm of toys, with the result that tech toys have become more exciting, engaging, interactive and surprising. This year’s range of robotic toys hits the sweet spot in terms of variety, amazement and entertainment. Who wouldn’t want a brand new shiny gadget to end off one year and start the next one?”

Below is a list of the hottest tech toys to look out for in South Africa for the Festive Season 2018:

A.R.I.A.’s adventures

Touted as one of the most forward-thinking toys of the year, A.R.I.A.’s adventures bestows a new wave of educational play enhanced with augmented reality. A single or multi-player interactive experience recommended for children aged 4 and older, A.R.I.A.’s Adventures works with a smart device or the included virtual reality headset. All 100 animal cards come to life as players take a virtual tour of the jungle and learn interesting facts. The 3D colouring-in feature transforms animals from flat outlines to colourfully interactive characters. A perfect tech-driven learning game.

Build a Bot

One of the most popular ranges in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) category, Build a Bot, combines robotics and construction in a satisfyingly fun way. The range includes various brightly coloured animals and insects that once assembled can be personalised with eyes and stickers. Switch it on and watch the Bot respond to commands. Build a Bot introduces children aged 5 and up to the wonders and possibilities of building their own robot.

Pokibot

The PokiBot is a fun, miniature interactive robot that can move, spin, dance and even talk. The bot stands at 8cm tall and is sound activated – clap your hands and the PokiBot responds by lighting its mouth and eyes. Adding to the fun is a voice recording functionality where you can playback and hear yourself in a robotic voice. Download the app to unlock additional content, control PokiBot’s movements and make it do cool dance routines. It’s just like having your very own mini R2D2.

Teksta 360

Incredibly lifelike, the classic robotic Teksta 360 is back with even more interactive features. The toy provides an incredible geek-fest of AI and tech all rolled into one compact robotic puppy. Teksta responds to voice, movements, lights and sounds. It communicates its emotions through barks, whines and changes in eye patterns. The pup will also react to hand gestures to sit, stop and flip backwards. It also features wireless and infrared technology, which means it can be trained to play with other Teksta puppies. Download the app for extra bonus features.

Teksta Micro Pets

The smaller cousins to the Teksta 360, the Teksta Micro Pets are also programmed to act just like the real thing. Available in four pet options - Puppy, Raccoon, Dinosaur and Kitty – they feature specialised tech that allows you to interact with them using hand gestures and voice commands. Completely animated, Teksta Micro Pets can walk backwards and forwards, move their ears, turn their heads and sit just like a well-trained pet.

Robo Chameleon

With its awesome colour-changing abilities, Robo Chameleon is an ideal gift for both boys and girls aged 3 and older. The bot has a built-in extendable tongue to catch special food, which is included in the pack. Walk the chameleon to its food via remote control, aim and press catch! The tail is motorized and its eyes rotate as it walks.

Silverlit Bumper Drones

Introducing the Silverlit Bumper Drone series – a whole new concept of action drones with 360˚ protection. With the enhanced bump and bounce protection ring design, you need not worry about hitting obstacles because with the ultra-soft material it even bounces back. The drone is water-resistant which means you can hover, land and take photos on water. Each bumper drone features an HD camera, auto hover and headless mode. Suitable for ages 8+.

Untamed Velociraptor

Sometimes cute and huggable and at other times fierce and untamed, the Fingerlings Untamed Velociraptor combines electronic interactivity with the fascination factor of dinosaurs. The biggest draw to this stocking filler is that it is surprisingly interactive for such a small toy. These creatures are fierce and unpredictable and various interactions evoke different responses. In untamed mode, they roar, hiss and chomp! In tame mode they nuzzle and purr. Complete with snapping jaws and gripping claws, these raptors react to touch, motion and sound.

The products are all available at leading toy retailers countrywide.

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